Current Affairs - State

The Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan approved the procurement of 1,25,855 metric tonnes of Rabi crops at Minimum Support Price (MSP) under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) in Telangana. The total procurement value is over ₹894 crore and aims to benefit thousands of farmers in the state. This initiative ensures farmers receive fair prices for their produce and are protected from market price fluctuations. By preventing distress sales and encouraging the production of pulses and oilseeds, the program supports agricultural growth, improves nutritional security, and contributes to strengthening the rural economy under the leadership of Narendra Modi.

The state government of Gujarat has allocated Rs 1,331 crore to develop Ahmedabad into an Olympic-ready city, supporting India’s ambition to host the 2036 Olympic Games. This funding is part of a broader sports and youth activities budget exceeding Rs 2,000 crore. A significant share of the investment will be directed toward infrastructure development at the SVP Sports Enclave located near the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The initiative also focuses on grassroots sports development through the ‘In-School’ programme, which trains more than 1.29 lakh children across 230 schools. These efforts aim to nurture young athletes and position Gujarat as a major international hub for sporting events and infrastructure.

Sambar deer, the largest deer species in South Asia, were recorded at unusually high elevations in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. Traditionally, these deer are found in the lower Shivalik hills, moist deciduous forests, and regions below about 2,000 metres. However, camera trap images documented their presence in higher-altitude areas such as the Kalatop–Khajjiar Wildlife Sanctuary and the Gamgul Wildlife Sanctuary, where elevations exceed 2,500 to 3,000 metres. This observation is significant because it suggests possible shifts in wildlife distribution patterns. Factors such as climate change, habitat changes, and improved protection of forest areas may be influencing the movement and habitat range of species like the sambar deer.

Maharashtra launched the Divyang Sahayak Portal as India’s first fully integrated digital platform designed to simplify access to welfare schemes for persons with disabilities. Introduced in February 2026, the portal allows users to apply for schemes online, track application status in real time, and receive benefits through a transparent and streamlined process. The platform eliminates the need for physical paperwork and visits to government offices. It integrates with systems such as Aadhaar, the Unique Disability ID (UDID), and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to ensure efficient service delivery. The portal also uses AI-based tools for grievance redressal and document verification, supporting the effective implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

Karnataka proposed a policy in its Budget 2026–27 to ban social media usage for children under the age of 16. The announcement was made by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah as part of efforts to address growing concerns about digital addiction and exposure to harmful online content among children. The proposal aims to create a safer digital environment by limiting unrestricted access to social media platforms. Policymakers and experts believe that excessive screen time and exposure to inappropriate content can negatively affect children’s mental health, academic performance, and overall well-being. If implemented, the measure would make Karnataka the first Indian state to introduce such a restriction, while other governments are also considering similar regulations.